Read the University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre's media release, dated July 12, 2007. The following is an excerpt:

Canada’s food and agricultural policies are slated for renewal in 2008. This may be good news for the local communities and producers who currently bear the burden of most costs associated with the infrastructure that supports the current agri-food system. The producers and distributors of imported “cheap food” make no contribution to that infrastructure and do not provide other benefits to local society and ecosystems.

Two new memos recently released by Environmental Law Clinic (ELC) student Kendra Milne may prove to be useful tools for groups wishing to advocate for more positive policies.

Kendra Milne was asked by Edible Strategies to research existing legal barriers to increased local food production and distribution in Canada in general, and British Columbia in particular.

Kendra’s summary from memo 1 is that "the supply management system in BC creates legal barriers for local food production and distribution because small-scale, local producers cannot afford or obtain quotas to produce their goods [commodity controlled products], particularly when competing with large, corporate producers [in the existing retail market channels.] Trade agreements entered into by both the provincial and federal governments do not necessarily create legal barriers to local food production and distribution, but they can make it difficult for small-scale producers to compete with corporate imports. The trade agreements also bar subsidies to support the development local food production. Possible exceptions, challenges and areas for reform will be explored in the second memo produced on this issue."

Kendra’s summary from memo 2, which looks at solutions to the barriers memo 1 identified, is that "although the Agreement on Agriculture creates significant restrictions on the actions Canada can take to support and encourage local food production, there is some international trade case law that supports trade restrictions based on environmental conservation. In addition, the Agreement on Agriculture green box subsidy category may be a possibility for local food production subsidies that are not tied to production or price levels. More research is required on the current Canadian green box subsidy programs and how the Agreement on Agriculture provisions may change in the renegotiated agreement."

Introducing a '2007 work in progress' - Growing Hope: Canadian Agriculture and Agri-food policy recommendations from the "Community Voice". The following draft appendices are in DOC format:

• Appendix 1
• Appendix 2
• Appendix 3
• Appendix 4

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is pleased to participate in the production of this publication. AAFC is committed to working with our industry partners to increase public awareness of the importance of the agriculture and agri-food industry to Canada. Opinions expressed in this document are not necessarily those of AAFC.

Abstract. The last round of suggested edits to the Growing Hope “community voice” food policy (PDF) are incorporated and the food policy recommendations are delivered to the AACF representatives. If you wish to be kept in the loop you will need to register with your responses to the document to Nicole Chaland at the Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet).

The background is part 1, the Making Waves special food system edition called "Growing Hope." All articles are available on the Cedworks website. See also the Kootenay Co-op radio show.

Please circulate this food policy with the instruction to contact Nicole at CCEDNet to be kept in the loop for next steps.

The ideas came from the community, so feel free to use any of the ideas that would help your community!

See also:

• Community Food Systems Economics 101: A CED/co-op worker's perspective (PDF - 968 KB).
• Our extensive library of documents from external sources.